US's John Bolton Praises Bulgaria's Efforts in the Balkans

November 7 (BTA) - As he met with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva on Tuesday, the national security advisor to the US President, John Bolton, praised Bulgaria's efforts to ensure stability and prosperity in the Western Balkans, said Zaharieva's Ministry.

Zaharieva is on a visit to the US November 3 through 7 on the invitation of Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.

She told Bolton that Bulgaria puts lots of efforts in supporting the Euro-Atlantic prospects of the Western Balkans and will continue to support its neighbours and friends. "I am happy to hear from you that the US remains committed to this as well," she added.

The two officials discussed future cooperation between Bulgaria and the US aiming to see the region continue the path of reforms and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Bolton said that Bulgaria's success as a leader in the region is important for his country.

He pointed out that materializing the Euro-Atlantic prospects of the countries in the Western Balkans and solving some open issues among them will have direct effect on the interest of foreign investors in the region.

During the longer-than-planned meeting the two sides exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and the peace process there, and the situation in Syria and Libya.

Zaharieva told reporters that she had a frank discussion with Bolton.

She also said she had invited Bolton to visit Bulgaria.

Another issue on the agenda of the meeting was the diversification of energy supplies and the top Bulgarian diplomat presented the plans of her government in this area.

Zaharieva thanked Bolton for the lasting commitment of his country in the process of modernizing the Bulgarian Armed Forces. RY/LN/